Box spring handle



July 26, 1960' J. POUPITCH BOX SPRING HANDLE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Sept. 30, 1957 Z zwsw-rox. 0 1/; 66a MM 2 J 556% y 1960 o. J. POUPITCH- 2,946,082 4 BOX SPRING HANDLE Filed Sept. 30. 1957 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 United States Patent BOX SPRING HANDLE Ougljesa Jules Poupitch, Itasca, Ill., assignor to Illinois Tool Works, Chicago, 11]. a corporation of Illinois Filed Sept. 30, 1957, Ser. No. 686,961

14 Claims. (Cl. 16-125) The present invention relates to a novel handle structure, and more particularly to a novel handle structure of a type which facilitates lifting of an article.

The present invention contemplates a novel handle structure which is particularly suitable for application to box spring units, but it will be apparent that various other uses for the novel handle structure may be found. It is an important object of the present invention to provide a novel handle structure which is strong and durable and which may be economically manufactured and applied to an article such as a box spring unit.

A more specific object of the present invention is to provide a novel handle structure having an element which may be economically molded from plastic material to provide a looped type hand grip, and a simple and economical complementary clip member for retaining the plastic element and for facilitating mounting of the handle device to a workpiece or article such as a box spring unit in a manner so that the device will remain in a predeter mined position relative to the box spring unit.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings wherein: v

Fig. l is a perspective view showing a plastic member of a handle structure incorporating features of the present invention, which plastic member is shown in itsmolded condition;

Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the manner in which the plastic member of Fig. 1 is formed to-provide a looped hand grip and further showing a clip element for retaining the end portions of the plastic member together; 7 g

Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the parts of the handle structure of this invention fully assembled with each other;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged cross sectional view taken along line 4-4 in Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged cross sectional view taken along line 5-5 in Fig.3;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view on a reduced scale showing the novel handle structure of the present invention applied to a box spring unit; 7

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 77 in Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of handle and clip members incorporating a modified form of the present invention;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the members of Fig. 8 assembled with a workpiece;

Fig. 1.0 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view.taken along line 1010 in Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along line 11--11 in Fig. 9;

Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing handle and clip members incorporating another modified form of the present invention;

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the members of Fig. 12 assembled with a workpiece;

2,946,082 Patented July 20, 1960 Fig. 14 is a fragmentary sectional view taken generally along line 1414 in Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 15-15 in Fig. 13; and

Fig. 16 isa fragmentary sectional view similar to Fig. 14, but showing another modified form of the present invention.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings wherein like parts are designated by the same numerals throughout the various figures, a handle structure 10 incorporating the features of the present invention is provided by an elongated member 12 and a clip member 14. The member 12 is preferably molded from a tough durable plastic material such, for example, as nylon. The clip member 14 may be easily and economically stamped from sheet metal stock. 2

The member 12 is provided with an elongated handle portion 16 preferably of circular transversecross sectional shape, and complementary opposite end attachment portions 18 and 20. It is important to note that the member 12 is molded so that it is initially substantially straight as shown in Fig. '1. This feature enables a mold to be provided with a large number of cavities so that a large number of the plastic handle members may be formed during each molding operation. The handle portion 16 is sufliciently flexible so that the handle member may be easily manipulated to provide a split loop as shown in Figs. 2-7 with the attachment end portions 18 and 20 in substantially abutting relationship.

The attachment end portion 18 is provided by an inwardly projecting flange 22 extending longitudinally of and integrally joined to an adjacent section of the handle portion 16. As shown best in Figs. 2, 4 and 5, the flange 22 has a cross sectional thickness, substantially less than the diameter of the handle portion 16. In addition, the flange 22 is disposed so that its opposite surfaces are offset inwardly from parallel planes tangent to opposite sides of the handle portion 16. One surface 24 of the flange22 is substantially smooth, and an elongated rib 26 projects from the opposite surface of the flange 22 for cooperating with the clip member 14 in the manner described below. The attachment portion 18 also includes a transversely extending flange 28 projecting'lfrom extremities of the flange 22 and the handle portion 16. The flange 28 is adapted to engage beneath a workpiece such as a frame member 30 of a box spring unit 32 as shown in Figs. 6 and 7 and described more fully below. The attachment portion 20 is substantially identical to the attachment portion 18 and comprisesan inwardly projecting flange 34 and a transversely extending end flange 36. A rib 38 corresponding to the above described rib 26 extends along one surface of the flange 34 and the opposite surface 40 of this flange is substantially smooth. The flanges 22 and 24 are formed with complementary marginal recesses so that when they aredisposed in substantially abutting relationship a central aperture 42 is provided.

The clip member 14 preferably is provided with a generally U-shaped transverse cross section resulting from the arrangement of spaced generally parallel opposite side portions 44 and 46 joined by a bight portion 48. The construction is such that the space between the opposite side portions 44 and 46 is similar to the thickness of the flanges 22 and 34 so that the clip may be slipped over these flanges. The side portion 46 is provided with outwardly deformed ribs or "grooves 50 and 52 which'are complementary to and adapted to receive the ribs 26 and 38. The arrangement is such that when the ribs 26 and 38 are located within the ribs 50 and 52 of the clip the edges of the flanges 22 and 34 are in substantially abutting relationship; Furthermore, the interengaging ribs positively retain the attachment end portions 18 and 20 of the plastie member against lateral separation. The side portion 44 of the clip is provided with inwardly struck protuberances 54 and 56 which are adapted to embed themselves in the smooth surfaces of the flanges 22 and 34 so as to prevent the clip from slipping from the attachment end portions 18 and 20 in a direction extending axially of the ribs prior to attachment of the handle structure to the workpiece or box spring unit.

The opposite side portions 44 and 46 of the clip member are provided with apertures 58 and 60 aligned with the aperture 42. As shown in Figs. 6 and 7 a screw 61 or a nail or any other suitable fastening member may be readily inserted through the aligned apertures and into the frame 30 of the box spring unit for securing the handle structure to the unit. When the handle structure is properly secured to the box spring unit, the flanges 28 and 36 engage beneath the frame 30 and the clip member and flanges 22 and 34 are clamped firmly against the periphery of the frame so as to preclude any possibility of the flanges 28 and 36 becoming disengaged beneath the frame. Thus the transversely or horizontally disposed flanges 28 and 36 serve as the primary means for sustaining the weight of the box spring structure and the fastener member or screw 61 will also serve to support a portion of the weight of the spring unit. These flanges also serve to prevent the handle structure from pivoting on the screw so that the handle is maintained in the desired position relative to the box spring unit. Stresses on the fastener member or screw are transmitted to the handle structure through the marginal portions defining the apertures 58 and 60 of the clip member, and it is to be noted that the aperture 60 is defined by an inwardly projecting frusto-conical portion 62 which serves snugly to receive the fastener element. The stresses are transmitted from the clip member to the plastic handle member through the transverse or bight portion 48 to the upper margins of the flanges 22 and 34. The handle member is normally disposed substantially flush against the periphery of the box spring unit as shown in solid lines in Fig. 7. It will be appreciated that the handle member may be readily flexed toward the broken line position shown in Fig. 7 so that it may be grasped for lifting the unit.

In Figs. 8 through 11 there is shown a modified form of the present invention which is similar to the structure described above as indicated by the application of identical reference numerals with the suflix a added to corresponding elements. In this embodiment the handle member is initially molded in a looped condition and the attachment portions 18a and 20a are integrally joined to each other. The generally U-shaped clip member 14a is formed so that it will embrace and resiliently grip the attachment portions upon being applied thereto so as to retain the members in assembled relationship prior to attachment thereof to the workpiece or box spring unit. It is to be noted that in this embodiment the above mentioned flanges 28 and 36 have been omitted from the plastic handle member. However, the clip member 14a is provided with laterally projecting prongs 70 and 72. These prongs are adapted to be embedded in the box spring unit so that they serve to prevent the handle structure from pivoting about the screw 61a. These prongs will also serve to assist in supporting the weight of the box spring unit in the same manner as the flanges 28 and 36 described above.

Figs. 12 through 15 show another embodiment of the present invention which is similar to the structures described above as indicated by the application of identical reference numerals with the suffix b added to corresponding elements. In this embodiment the handle member 1212 is again in the form of a split loop. The clip member 145 is provided with laterally projecting tabs 76 and 78 adapted to embrace the opposite end sections of the handle portion 16b so as to maintain the attachment portions of the handle member in substantially abutting relationship. In addition, the clip member 14b is provided with a lower marginal flange 80 adapted to project beneath the attachment portions 18!; and 2012 so as positively to prevent these attachment portions from moving downwardly relative to the clip.

Fig. 16 discloses another form of the present invention which is similar to those described above. In this embodiment the clip member 140 is provided with a central extrusion 82-0 adapted to extend through the aperture means of the handle member attachment portions and abut the box spring unit. This extrusion which has a flared end 84-0 for retaining the handle and clip members in assembled relationship, provides a positive stop for preventing the plastic handle member from being unduly compressed during tightening of the fastening element. The clip member 14c is also provided with a lower marginal flange c which is adapted to extend beneath the box spring unit for assisting in supporting the weight of the box spring unit and for preventing turning of the handle structure about the fastening element. This figure also illustrates the fact that the fastening element may be in the form of a nail as well as a screw.

While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, numerous structural details may be changed without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

The invention is claimed as follows:

1. A handle structure of the type described comprising a flexible split loop plastic handle member including a looped handle portion having adjacently disposed opposite end sections and integral attachment portions respectively joined to said end sections and presenting edges facing inwardly of the looped handle portion, and a member adapted to be secured to a workpiece and embracing said attachment portions, said last named member including means overlying and engaging said edges, said attachment portions and said last named member including inter-engaging means positively preventing lateral separation of said attachment portions.

2. A handle structure as defined in claim 1, wherein each of said attachment portions includes a transversely extending end flange engageable with a downwardly facing surface of a workpiece when the handle structure is secured to the workpiece.

3. A handle structure, as defined in claim 1, which includes means projecting from said last mentioned member and into a surface of each of said attachment portions for restraining separation of said last mentioned member from said attachment portions.

4. A handle structure comprising a one-piece plastic handle member including an elongated flexible handle portion curled to provide a split loop and attachment portions integral with opposite end sections of said handle portion, each of said attachment portions including a flange projecting laterally from its associated end section and toward the other attachment portion and extending longitudinally of its associated end section, protruding means comprising a member integral with and protruding laterally from each of said flanges, and a clip member adapted to be secured to a workpiece and including opposite side portions embracing said flanges and a bight portion joining said side portions and overlying and engaging edges of said flanges which face inwardly of the loop handle portion and extend transversely of said end sections, one of said side portions including means inter-engaging said protruding means on each of said flanges for restraining lateral separation of said attachment portions of the handle member.

5. A handle structure, as defined in claim 4, wherein said protruding means include an elongated rib on each of said flanges extending generally parallel to said end sections, said inter-engaging means on said clip member side portion including elongated grooves complementary to and receiving said ribs, and said clip member including means projecting therefrom and into surfaces of said flanges for restraining separation of the clip member from the flanges in a direction extending longitudinally of said ribs.

6. A handle structure, as defined in claim 4, wherein each of said attachment portions comprises an end flange extending transversely from said first mentoned flanges for engaging beneath a downwardly facing of a workpiece when the handle structure is applied to the workpiece.

7. A handle structure for application to a workpiece comprising a one-piece plastic handle member including a looped handle portion having spaced opposite end sections and attachment portions integral with and extending between said opposite end sections of said looped portion, and a sheet material clip member including elements engaging opposite sides of said attachment portions for retaining said members in assembled relationship, said clip member and said attachment portions having aligned aperture means therethrough for accommodating a fastener, said clip member including a section overlying and engaging edges of said attachment portions facing inwardly of said looped handle portion, and one of said members including laterally projecting means engageable with the workpiece for preventing the handle structure from pivoting around the fastener when the handle structure is fully applied to the workpiece.

8. A handle structure, as defined in claim 7, wherein said laterally projecting means includes flanges extending from said attachment portions and engageable beneath a downwardly facing margin of the workpiece.

9. A handle structure, as defined in claim 7, wherein said attachment portions are separate from each other, and said clip member includes means for retaining said attachment portions in substantially abutting relationship.

10. A handle structure, as defined in claim 7, wherein said attachment portions are integral with each other.

11. A handle structure, as defined in claim 7, wherein said last named means includes a flange extending from said clip member and engageable beneath a downwardly facing margin of the workpiece.

12. A handle structure, as defined in claim 7, wherein said last named means includes prong means extending from said clip member and adapted to be embedded in the workpiece.

13. A handle structure comprising a handle portion. having end portions terminating in a base portion having flanges, protruding means on said flanges characterized by elongated ribs extending generally parallel to said end portions, a clip member engageable with said base portion and formed with portions complementary to and engageable with the said ribs on said flanges, said clip member including means projecting therefrom and into surfaces of said flanges to prevent separation of said flanges and said clip member in a direction extending longitudinally of said ribs.

14. In combination, a plastic member having a thin flexible loop handle portion of substantially uniform and curvilinear cross section terminating in an integral handle base portion of generally rectilinear configuration, an upset portion formed in said handle base portion, and a sheet metal clip having a generally U-shaped configuration defining spaced arms and a clip base portion, at least one of said arms being upset, said clip being adapted to overlie said handle base portion such that each of said spaced arms and said clip base portion engage said handle base portion, said upset portion of said clip arm engaging the upset portion of said base portion of said handle portion.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,864,780 Weller June 28, 1932 1,904,988 Severance Apr. 18, 1933 2,410,258 Bechik et al. u Oct. 29, 1946 2,617,143 Blake Nov. 11, 1952 

